Stories about Badi
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From:
Elease Wright
I was privileged to have worked with Badi at Aetna. As a senior leader in the organization, Badi willingly reached out to many of us who were early in our careers. He was always willing to give wise counsel and share his experiences so we could learn from him. The Aetna Institute for Higher Education was his brainchild and it underscored the value of employee development. He was a model leader for us all.
From:
Francine & Ed Jowdy
It saddens our hearts to hear about Badi’s passing. Badi made a huge difference in our lives. We meet Badi at the Aetna in the mid 80,s. Together we helped build the Aetna Institute for Corporate Education, a state of the art educational facility that also touched many people’s lives. A soul that will be missed by many.
From:
Eugene Williams
I first met Badi while serving on the PBS Board of Directors. There weren't a lot of Black males on the Board, so it was easy to gravitate to Dr. Foster. It only took seconds to realize that he would become one the most intelligent and wise persons, I would encounter on the Board. I recount a tale often of one of the probing questions he asked of Board members when a lengthy discussion about diversity ensued.
He leaned back, raised his hand eloquently to be recognized, then leaned forward to pose this simple question, once he was given the floor.
"What are your markets for diversity?" This simple question cut through all of the complexities of process and went straight to the simplicity of life--if you need someone of Japanese descent, then recruit someone of Japanese descent. Badi was great in intellect and wisdom and like a tailored suit, he wore them well. His quiet charm, warm smile and graceful approach reminded me of a cool jazz singer. He hugged the microphone and made everyone in the room believe that he was just singing to them. He was a great friend and quiet mentor. Be blessed my friend.
From:
Beinerth Chitiva
I am writing you these lines from Quibdó, Chocó. Your father was a great man, and I want to offer you and your family my condolences. I met Badi Foster in one of his several trips to Colombia when he was the director of Phelps Stokes. He always had kind words to encourage every one. Although I stopped hearing from him many years ago, I still remember how he tried to help others. I will miss him and hope you and your family keep his legacy. If you ever need anything from me and the foundation I run in Quibdó, I would feel honored to serve you.
From:
Bunty Ketcham
Badi is very much with us! Everyone who worked with him or for him at Phelps Stokes remembers the firmness of his voice as he spoke of his vision of organizational purpose, commitment to innovative new strategies, and his frequent excitement over having enlisted a valuable new person to further its goals. For several years I joined Badi as a Trustee; for many more I worked closely with him as he served as Phelps Stokes President and I chaired its Board of Trustees. Throughout countless Board meetings and retreats, I valued and enjoyed our leadership partnership and our warm personal relationship. Memories and feelings never die.
From:
Leo Cyr
Badi and I met in 1957 in Tangier, Morocco. We were both beginning the 10th grade at the American School of Tangier (AST). I had just arrived from the U.S. with my family; Badi was living with the Buckingham family while attending school. Badi's family lived in Casablanca. Our class consisted of seven people. We represented 5 different nationalities and 6 religions. Badi and I were the two Americans. Ours would be the first high school graduating class at AST. We both played basketball for AST for 3 years. One would be correct in saying that Badi, Jimmy Baltgalvis and I were inseparable between 1957 and our graduation in 1960.
The only thing we did not share was a love of fishing. Badi was always busy when the subject of fishing arose. No matter...the three of us spent most of our time together on the basketball court or in the classroom. Although Badi and I went our separate ways after graduation, we did spend several hours on the phone in August of 2018 sharing 60 years of life experiences. In retrospect, I am so glad we had that opportunity. To Juanita and Nabil, please accept my most sincere condolences for your loss. Badi was an awesome friend and a fierce competitor. The world is much the better for his having been in it. Rest in peace, my friend....Leo
From:
William Mckee
I am reminded of his maxim which he oft used in his speeches that warned against "hyper-materialism", which stated that "A death shroud has no pockets". In this speech, he would reference the great largess of riches that were placed in the crypts of Egyptian royalty which as he would say "upon their deaths, never made the flight". He was full of deep and rich lessons which flowed from his deep reservoir of knowledge and profound soulcraft. He never sought out followers. He just wanted to serve in that great collective chorus of social justice and empowerment for the last, the least and the lost. He will be missed in the physical, but his spirit lives on in perpetuity.
From:
Ezat Parnia
I met Badi when I was serving as Director of Cambridge College in Springfield MA. He graciously agreed to be featured in a couple of TV commercials to speak about the importance of adults going back to college and enriching their lives with education. As a result of his powerful message we had many adults from Hartford CT and Springfield MA came to Cambridge College and tranaformed their lives and careers. I am truly saddened by the news of Dr. Badi Foster passing. Condolences to the entire family and friends.
From:
Kevin Dowdell
I don't have a particularly compelling story to tell abut Badi; however, I am compelled to say something of his life, my relationship with him, and how he had a profound influenced on mu life and my way of thinking about my life. Badi welcomed me with open arms when I arrived back to the DC area after returning from NYC in late 2003. I can't remember exactly how we connected but we were closely connected by our individual relationships with Arthur Ashe. Badi knew Arthur very well over a long period of time and they had a strong mutual respect for each other. They may have met through their connection with Aetna but I'm not certain. Badi was one of several people with whom Arthur had long-held close relationships in contrast to the relatively short period of time I was fortunate enough to work with Arthur as a co-founder and ED of his Safe Passage Foundation, including the ABC Tennis Program and the Athlete Career Connection.
I was fortunate enough to have lunch with Badi several times and other discussions with him where he took a personal interest in my life and he helped me reflect and think about what I had to offer the world -- a perspective that was completely new to me. He also described me as a disciple of Arthur Ashe once, which I have never forgotten (to state the obvious) -- again it was a completely different way of thinking for me. There is no doubt in my mind that Badi listened to dozens, if not hundreds, of people in the same way in an effort to help them define their own lives in a thoughtful and almost cosmic way -- "how can you influence the world"? He has a special place in my heart and I will miss him every day. His was without a doubt a life well lived! To Badi's family, please accept my condolences -- you are in my thoughts and prayers.
From:
Elizabeth Krupnick
I am tremendously saddened to hear of Badi's passing. He was a genuine inspiration to me while our paths crossed at Aetna. We were both somewhat unlikely characters in such a rigid corporate place. I was in charge of communications -- Badi, of course, was charged with overseeing education and training and inspiring the troops. Our paths intersected quite naturally.Badi inspired me with his intelligence and grace and lovely and kind sense of humor. We sat in (dopey, long and inexplicably odd) meetings, and he would throw me a knowing smile. We didn't exactly go rogue, but we found common ground in so many ways when issues regarding education, fairness and ethics were being discussed.
He was occasionally a bit of a partner in crime when we confronted issues around fairness, workplace ethics and assorted other hot topics. I think it's fair to say we had a bit of fun taking on the big guys together and we were, more to his credit than mine, able from time to time to make a real difference in a pretty challenging environment. Badi was a beacon of honesty and intelligence and he made a difference in the way I thought about corporate social responsibility and I am very, very grateful for that. To his family, I am so, so sorry for your loss. Badi was special.
From:
Kroc Institute For International Peace Studies
Published statement: https://kroc.nd.edu/news-events/news/statement-from-asher-kaufman-on-kroc-advisory-board-member-badi-fosters-death/
From:
Jim White
I worked in the Hartford area from 1974 to 1984 and 1989 to 1998, for Heublein and for Cigna. I last saw Badi over twenty years ago on the campus of one of our Historically Black Colleges and Universities. We smiled and hugged and we expressed our mutual joy at seeing each other. What an impact he had on minds young and old. He will be missed by many. A conversation with him added value and perspective, making us better. Today we miss that so much. He was a person of class and distinction. We are all richer for him having passed 0ur way.
God bless you. Thank you for sharing him with our worlds. I speak for all of those to whom I have spoken since getting this sad news.
From:
Steve Corman
My deepest condolences go to Badi's family and many, many friends worldwide. I am shocked to learn of his unfortunate passing and with it come many fond memories of the years I was a part of his life. We started at the University of Denver in the early 1960s and it was very apparent he was on a fast track to greatness. He was a terrific friend, not just within his inner group, but also to virtually everyone he knew. As a journalism major and writer-editor on the school paper, the Clarion, he was frequently very complimentary about stories I did.
Several years later, when we met at various DU alumni functions in the Chicago area, Badi was full of questions about my work in the television news business in which I ultimately spent over four decades, mostly with NBC in both Chicago and California. I also was thrilled to learn about Badi's many accomplishments throughout the world. We also have each been married more than a half-century. Something to be proud of! I am very honored to have known him and been a small part of his life. It's a friendship that will always give me a large amount of satisfaction.
From:
Mehdi Abdelwahab
Badi and I attended the American School of Tangier, Morocco in the same years (1957-60), although he was 6 years my senior, so he did not know me at the time. Our lives did not cross until 2015, when I was chairing a committee of AST alumni seeking to establish a permanent school Alumni organization, and I managed to track him down after obtaining his contact information. I wrote to him and followed it with a telephone call, at which he was most delighted to hear from an ASTer. He expressed the most devout fondness for the school, and his ardent support for the creation of what was to become the American School of Tangier Alumni Network - ASTAN. He encouraged me to seek out the other members of his graduating 1960 class, and without any hesitation, along with some others of his classmates, agreed to serve as an Honorary Senior Advisor to the ASTAN Board of Directors. Over the past 4 years, he and I corresponded regularly, and held long telephone conversations about our lives in Morocco, Tangier and AST.
He treated me as an equal, and the six years seniority between us, seemed to never exist. He would tell me stories about his living in Casablanca and how he had a hard time in school there, and his parents decided to send him to AST. He lived with the Buckingham family in the Monte Viejo area 1957-60, and by coincidence I ended up living with the same family from 1963-66, so this added up to more sharing of life's experiences between the two of us. When it came to ASTAN, Badi was a strong and generous supporter, and cared a great deal about seeing more Moroccan girls attend schools and gain success in life. Badi my friend I shall miss our long telephone chats, our mutual laughs, sharing of Moroccan jokes, and most of all your caring for others less fortunate. May the Almighty grant you peace for Eternity.My most sincere sympathies and condolences to Juanita, Nabil and the rest of the Foster family.
From:
Steve Glaser
I was an incoming freshman in the fall of 1962. We were told to meet at the auditorium for an introduction to the school. Several deans and other school officials gave short speeches. A tall thin guy came up to speak. I can't remember now some 57 years later exactly what he talked about. I do recall how he captivated us with his voice and the in inflections in it. At the end of his speech he let us know that he was a black man. I know that I was quite surprised as Badi had very light skin and I was sitting a distance away from the stage.
I had come from a middle/upper middle class town in New Jersey and out of the 302 seniors that graduated in 1962 not one of them was black. To see and hear this man speak so eloquently was somewhat of a turning point for me. I pledged Pi Lambda Phi, which was the only interracial fraternity on our campus. I became Badi's fraternity brother. He was a fine man and though we never stayed in touch after he graduated I will always remember him fondly.
From:
Inela Selimovic
I am writing with a heavy heart, even if I have known Dr. Foster for a relatively short period of time. I send my condolences to your family members and keep you in my thoughts during these difficult times. I met Dr. Foster in 2011 during one of my administrative projects in Boston. Through him, I also became acquainted with his equally wonderful sister, Zarin. I remember one instance of his kind guidance from 2012. During one of my meetings with Dr. Foster regarding another professional step, he generously offered his wisdom, advice, and encouragement.
I thanked him via email after having landed a great job, and on October 2, 2012, he wrote back with his encouraging propensity: "Dear Inela, I am so happy of your good news. I feel certain that you will continue to fulfill and grow your potential as long as you remain faithful to those core values that have served you so well. Please accept my warmest wishes and prayers." I still keep his note as a reminder of the importance to remain resilient. More importantly, I keep it as a meaningful way to celebrate Dr. Foster’s kind-hearted spirit.
From:
Jennifer Lawson
I first met Badi Foster in Washington DC around 2006 and immediately regretted that I did not have the good fortune of meeting him earlier. I was working in public broadcasting and assisting with an international program that brought journalists and broadcasters from other countries including Nepal, Tanzania, Ghana, Mongolia, Nigeria to the United States. From the moment I met Badi, it was obvious that the program’s goals echoed elements of his world view. He radiated his intent and goodwill to be helpful and supportive in every meeting that we had. I can recall him vividly, sitting in a sidewalk café when the weather permitted in Washington, his welcoming smile and him brimming with ideas. What a genuine humanitarian and citizen of the world. He will be missed.
From:
Lelia Akalhoun
I met Badi in a professional context, but he quickly became a close personal Uncle persona and mentor. He was generous with his wisdom and professional advice—always challenging me to seek greater ways to use my talents and skill set to make a difference in the world. I am grateful to him for always keeping me top of mind in his creative endeavors as they related to the African continent and providing me with opportunities to stretch myself career-wise and intellectually. He was also a loving friend to my family and a warm, gentle spirit whose laughter and big heart are sorely missed. We will always remember the ground breaking trail that he blazed for people of color with much respect. Our strength to Auntie Juanita and Nabil. Rest in power, dear Uncle Badi. You lived the good life and touched the lives of all those fortunate enough to come across your path. We love you, Leila and the Akahloun Family
From:
Hernando Viveros
I remember Dr ,. Foster as the man who opened the opportunity to be part of his team at Phelps Stokes, learn and grow. Most of the time when he came to his office he would say hello in Spanish "Good morning, Dr. Foster, how are you?" And he answered me very well, how does this dona Nidia my mother "" My Life ", by always reminding me of the phrase that My mother said in Cali, Colombia when I met her and asked her what I was like for her. I remember the teachings of Dr. Foster, have a plan in life and review it every day, look at the steps that have been taken and when not to go back on track.
I remember Dr. Foster's confidence in me and the work I was developing, which I call the Ambassador of Afro-Descendants, and he told me when they come to Phelps Stokes, your colleagues, attend them in my office and give them all the hospitality. From there, when we had offices on another floor of the building, he gave me the second largest office and told me "This space is for you and your people". Hernando knows that you will be a great professional and your vocation of service and dedication to your community will make you a great leader.
From:
Patty Kneale
I first met Badi was when he became my husband's advisor for his Ph. D at Harvard University in 1975. My husband, Mike immediately developed a close bond with Badi. We became friends with Badi, Juanita and their children during this time. Badi worked closely with Mike on a project which eventually became a part of Mike's dissertation. Badi came out to Lincoln, Nebraska for a visit with us when Nebraska played Notre Dame in football in 2001. My last encounter with the Fosters was in 2016 in Chicago. Badi was his same old self with stories and memories of my husband. I am very sad of the passing of this wonderful man and great friend.
From:
Jeannie B.
I don't have a particular story about Badi. I just remember and appreciate that he was so, so wise and such a warm and wonderful human being. It was a pleasure to have been associated with him and to have shared a professional passion for the world, and Africa in particular. Rest in Peace my friend.
From:
Lesley-Ann Brown-Henderson
I met Badi in my darkest hour at Northwestern University. I was going through the most challenging season of my professional career, when a co-worker shared that "a man stopped by and asked that you contact him." Curious yet uncertain, I wrote to him and there began one of the most meaningful relationships I've ever formed with a "stranger". We met at the restaurant Found Kitchen and Social House in Evanston and talked for hours. I later found out that was his favorite spot. Badi was kind and listened as I cried, laughed, and felt overwhelmed by the kindness of a stranger. After many conversations and lunches there, he because like a father figure, building me up and reminding me of my God given talent. Badi restored my faith in myself and others and for that I could never thank him enough.
He lovingly asked about my son who he called "The Prince", my husband, and invested his time and energy in making sure that I was well. He made sure that I believe that there were endless possibilities for me on the other side of the mountain I was facing. He recounted numerous stories of his time at Princeton and around the world and let me into the magnificence of the life he had lived. We planned to have our families meet and I looked forward to telling him about the baby we are expecting in April. He is someone I will never forget. He reminded me of the goodness in humanity. I want his family to know how much his kindness meant to me. His love truly lifted me. He was a beautiful soul and I'll miss him tremendously. I'm so grateful to have known him. Rest well my friend!
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." Leo F. Buscaglia
From:
John Silvanus Wilson, Jr.
Badi Foster was a remarkable man and a consequential professor during my time at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in the 1980s. He was beloved by many students, but especially students of color. We needed and yearned for strong, brilliant professors of color with great ideas, great integrity, great charisma and "the cool factor." Badi had it all! We came to love and respect him as an intellectual, a professional, a family man and a force for good in the world. More personally, I remained in touch with Badi long after Harvard, as I relied on him as an advisor and friend.
I retained a long and passionate interest in historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and Badi was especially helpful at Phelps Stokes. When I became Executive Director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs, I sought Badi's advice and counsel. When I later became president of Morehouse College, I, again, sought and benefitted from his advice and counsel. We connected again at the beginning of my return to Harvard University, too. Badi was always insightful and wise. I love him for that. I thank God for his influence on me. And now that he has done what we all must do, I will always cherish the memory of Badi Foster! Onward!
From:
Dana Burton
I was a recent graduate and was clueless about how to find a job or what it meant to do nonprofit work. I remember being so surprised by the interview. When we sat down at his office table at 1400 Eye St., he said that the best way to know a person was to hear their life story. He urged me to tell it from the very beginning, and it could include anything that had had an impact on my life. Even more astonishing, he agreed to speak first and told me all about his life growing up, the challenges he faced, the importance of his family in making him the man he was. We breaked for lunch and went to get sandwiches from his favorite spot near by, Devon and Blakely.
As we waited for lunch, he told me about the various times he had been there, the good sandwiches and the not so good. When we returned to the office, it was my turn, and what still moves me even now, is how attentive he was. He really listened to me. Badi listened to everyone, sincerely and without exception. Though don't get me wrong, he liked to talk as well! From him, I learned about humility, the importance of honoring others in your dealings with them, and trying whenever possible to help others. It is because of Dr. Foster that I was introduced to the field I have dedicated myself to, anthropology. Thinking back to that interview and what has happened since, I have Dr. Foster to thank for so much. And it all began with a story.
From:
Cheryl Thompson
Badi and I met through our mutual friend Bill Cross who persuaded Badi to work with me on an extremely challenging international diversity project. From the first moment we met, I couldn’t believe my luck in having met such an incredible human being! I soaked up his vision of the world and the wise advice and leadership he provided on our project. With Badi’s help and direction, we developed impressive, impactful and realistic programs and training processes for a worldwide audience. And delivering it to those outside the US was doable and credible only because of Badi’s experience and commitment to the highest principles of diversity. But even more important than this big milestone was the friendship we developed during the years of this project. Badi became for me a great teacher and mentor. He gave sound advice regarding both my career and personal development.
He graciously met my friends and even potential beaus, and his observations helped me explore paths I probably would not have taken and find joys I certainly would have missed. Badi made me laugh and think, and try harder, and relax, and be more sure of myself. I will miss his wisdom, kindness, advice and his strong generous spirituality and positive energy. He was such an inspiration in my life! Even though I know Badi’s sprit still surrounds each of us according to our needs - because that’s how skilled he was in sharing his care - just knowing he is physically not here saddens me and makes me feel the world is diminished. My love and prayers to Juanita and Nabil.
From:
Peter Parham
Badi was a true giant, one of the most principled individuals whom I have ever known. We first met in Boston in the early 70s and our friendship grew with each day. I rejoice in the memories of our often passionate, wide-ranging discussions on public education, civil rights, national politics and community development and job readiness. Often these discussions took place either at my home, his office or at our favorite eatery in DC "Faces". Over the years we took advantage of several opportunities to collaborate and test the theories which we created during our marathon discussions.
We joined forces and created a successful National Training Institute for Neighborhood Leaders. Badi was relentless in his quest to ensure that every curriculum detail and programmatic aspect of the Institute was of the highest quality. Our bond was fueled by a mutual respect for and desire to uplift our community. We had complete trust in one another. This trust enabled us to be honest when talking about all things including our families, careers, fears and hopes. I will miss most Badi"s calm demeanor, intellectual curiosity, humility and his integrity.